Marines, sailors gather for prayer breakfast

Photo By Sgt. Aaron Hostutler | Lt. Col. Gilbert A. Warner bows his head during the prayer breakfast held at the Camp Kinser Mess Hall Sept. 20. Several prayers were given at the breakfast including one from Warner, which was dedicated to the Marines and sailors within 3rd MLG. Warner is the assistant chief of staff G-1, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.  

CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.20.2011

Story by Cpl. Aaron Hostutler 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP KINSER, Japan - Marines and sailors gathered at the Camp Kinser Mess Hall for a prayer breakfast held by the 3rd Marine Logistics Group chaplain’s office Sept. 20.

According to Cmdr. Randal B. Craft, chaplain for 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force, the breakfast was the fourth of its kind this year.

The breakfast was held to encourage attendees to pause for a few moments in their day and reflect on what is important to them, improving their spiritual fitness, he said.

“We wanted attendees to come together as people of a variety of faiths and acknowledge the importance of being ‘spiritually fit,’ while also gaining a greater awareness of the subject,” Craft said.
Chief Petty Officer Beverly A. Harris, a religious program specialist with 3rd MLG, said tragic events have adverse effects for many people.

“How do we cope with our stressful environment?” she asked. “How do we reflect? How do we release? How do we reconcile with the shift in mindset? Life as we knew it is no more, and we must find ways to cope with the existing state of readiness.”

Many people suggest jogging or going to the gym to relieve stress, and while physical fitness is good, Harris stressed the importance of spiritual fitness.

“Spiritual fitness helps us stay connected and grounded,” she said. “It helps us to reflect on the major aspects of life and to focus on the various areas that are important to our well-being. Additionally, it helps us to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.”

Throughout the breakfast several prayers dedicated to deployed personnel, families and Marines and sailors of 3rd MLG were offered by attendees.

While the focus of the breakfast revolved around prayer, no religious affiliation was required to attend the breakfast. For some, spiritual fitness can be strived for by reflecting on their lives, Harris said.

“Take 20 minutes, while in the shower, driving or walking, or cut some time from your phone conversations, to focus on the vital principles that you hold that give meaning to your life,” Harris said. “(Focus on) your values, beliefs, dreams, goals, achievements and your personal and professional growth.”

Some attendees were able to gain support from people with a similar mindset.

“I think (attendees) gained knowledge about spiritual health and probably some type of comfort from everyone at the breakfast. It was a very family-like atmosphere,” said Lance Cpl. Jozlyn C. Bell, a supply clerk with 3rd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd MLG.

Bell, along with three other Marines performed hymns at the breakfast.

“I absolutely love singing, and I was so pleased and beyond appreciative to have been afforded this opportunity,” said Bell. “I look forward to attending and possibly singing for many more to come.”

Through music, prayer and reflection, service members who attended the breakfast gained insight on how to strengthen their spiritual fitness, which may be important one day down the road, Harris said.

“Although you may not be having difficulties or stress now, sooner or later your spiritual-fitness test will come, and contrary to popular belief it is best to prepare for the test in advance rather than to cram at the last minute,” she said.

For information about future prayer breakfasts, call 637-3815.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2011
• Date Posted: 09.28.2011 22:56
• Story ID: 77725
• Location: CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JP